Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower
Restored Napoleonic signal tower on the Old Head of Kinsale with Lusitania displays, a memorial garden and coastal views.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Old Head Signal Tower was built in 1804 as Station 25 in a chain of 81 coastal signal stations that the British authorities set up around Ireland after the failed French landing at Bantry Bay in 1796. The stations passed messages along the coast with flags and balls hoisted on masts. After Napoleon's defeat the network was disbanded in 1815 and the tower was abandoned.
On 7 May 1915 the liner RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine less than twelve miles south of the headland, which makes the Old Head the closest point of land to the disaster. Local people watched the tragedy from here. A volunteer community group began restoring the ruined tower in 2010, and it opened to visitors in 2015, the centenary of the sinking. It is the only one of Ireland's 81 signal towers to be restored and opened to the public.
Inside, interpretive displays tell the story of the tower and the sinking, with a small collection of items connected to the Lusitania. A memorial garden outside lists the 1,962 passengers and crew who were aboard the ship. The community project is now working towards a third phase: a separate, purpose-built Lusitania museum building on the site. The visit also includes a roof viewpoint, a small gift shop and a seasonal café.
Highlights
- Only restored and publicly accessible signal tower of Ireland's 81 Napoleonic-era stations
- Lusitania items on display, including a deckchair, plates and cutlery
- Memorial garden naming all 1,962 people aboard the ship in 1915
- Panoramic roof view over the south coast
- Located at the first or last Signature Discovery Point of the Wild Atlantic Way
Permanent exhibition
- Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania displays – Interpretive displays on the Napoleonic signal station network and the sinking of the Lusitania, with items linked to the ship and the Lusitania Memorial Garden outside.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Lusitania Museum / Old Head Signal Tower Heritage CLG
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Children under 12 enter free but must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Groups | –Groups can ask for a guide; advance booking is advised. |
| Families | €16Family of four: two adults and two students or seniors. |
Tickets can be bought online in advance or at reception on arrival. Free visits are offered to Irish primary and secondary schools.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The ground floor of the tower and the memorial garden are accessible. The first floor (25 steps) and the roof (a further 20 steps) can only be reached by stairs.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €16 · Family of four: two adults and two students or seniors. |
Children under 12 enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lusitania Museum gate
Local Link bus 253 Kinsale to Clonakilty stops at the gate of the museum.
By car the Old Head is about 15 to 20 minutes from Kinsale town. The site is signposted as the first (or last) Signature Discovery Point of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The small Old Head Café runs on seasonal opening hours. The gift shop sells books, prints and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups should book in advance so that a guide is available. The Local Link bus stops at the gate of the museum. |